Tips for Safe Car Driving with Kids

Driving requires 100% focus and attention. And while driving with kids, that attention needs to be 200% since there’s nothing more precious for us than our children. Kids have this innate ability to throw unexpected tantrums to grab our attention and just a wink of eye’s distraction can sometimes result in not so good consequences.

It’s almost been a year since I started driving alone with my toddler. And every morning my husband makes me remember the Defensive Driving Training he gave me.

Let’s have a look at some of the safety tips while driving with kids:

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS:

Get your Car’s service done regularly and make sure your Car Insurance is not due.

Invest in good quality car seats for your kids. Most cars fit one or two car seats without any trouble but if you have triplets or expecting a third child, you need to change you car. Check out all the Three Car Seat Cars available in the market.

Always keep the gas /fuel tank filled enough to avoid any troubles on the way.

Keep the First-aid kit in car in case of any emergency.

BEFOREYOU START:

Make sure all the tires are in pretty good condition and not under inflated. Make it a habit to get the tire pressure checked monthly.

Turn on the car for 5- 10 minutes especially in cold weather when the oil thickens and moves slowly.

Adjust your seat and mirrors and fasten your seat belt.

Buckle up the straps of your kid’s Car Seat and double check if it has been done properly to make sure that your child is not uncomfortable.

Activate the Child safety locks of your car. In most of the cars, these can be activated via a small switch on the edge of the door.

Avoid taking any medication beforehand so that you don’t feel drowsy while driving. Drink and Drive is a strict NO while driving with kids.

Keep the money and toll slips handy.

Set up the Music Player and playlist before you start driving.

Keep the busy bags of interesting activities ready for the kids so that they don’t get bored and start bothering you.

WHILE DRIVING :

Avoid talking on telephones or checking messages while driving. Your whole focus should be on driving.

Basically avoid any distraction like reading, drinking and eating. Take a break if you feel tired or sleepy during long hours of driving.

Always look back through the mirrors while driving. You don’t need to turn back yourself.

Make sure to look through the mirrors properly while changing lanes on the road.

Use your car’s navigation system to guide you around traffic jams.

Don’t try to pick up items while driving that fall on the floor

Don’t allow kids to fight or climb in the car. Too much noise can distract you.

Keep in mind the Defensive Driving techniques :

The standard Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Operations, ANSI/ASSE Z15.1, defines defensive driving skills as “driving to save lives, time and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others.” – Wikipedia

Some of the defensive techniques I keep in mind are:

Plan ahead for the unexpected and do not expect the other driver to do what you think he should do.

Always adjust the speed of your car so that you are able to control it in case of emergencies.

Follow the two-second rule according to which driver should stay at least two seconds behind any vehicle that is directly in front of his or her vehicle.

Drive safely considering weather and road conditions.

Pay attention to your surroundings. Keep your eyes moving and check the mirrors frequently. If you suspect an aggressive driver around you, slow down to avoid him.